Oregon Lags Behind Denmark in Renewable Energy Transition

Letters to the Editor highlight the difference in mindsets between Oregon and Denmark in achieving ambitious clean energy goals.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:31am

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A letter to the editor reflects on a 2010 trip to Denmark, where the author participated in a U.S. delegation's tour of the Danish sustainable energy sector. The letter writer notes that while Denmark had set a goal of getting 50% of its electric power from wind by 2020, which it achieved, Oregon currently only gets 7.5% of its electricity from wind. The letter argues that the difference lies in the approach, with Denmark being "laser focused" on achieving its targets, while Oregon's conversation "focuses on a litany of hurdles" rather than finding solutions.

Why it matters

This letter highlights the contrasting mindsets between Oregon and Denmark when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy. While Denmark has demonstrated the ability to set and achieve ambitious clean energy goals, Oregon appears to be held back by a "lack of imagination and negative attitudes" rather than focusing on overcoming the technical challenges.

The details

The letter writer recounts their 2010 trip to Denmark, where they participated in a U.S. delegation's tour of the Danish sustainable energy sector. At the time, Denmark was getting 20% of its electric power from wind and had plans to reach 50% by 2020. The letter writer was skeptical of Denmark's goal, but by the end of the week they believed the country could pull it off. Denmark did indeed achieve its 50% wind power target by 2020 and is now close to getting 60% of its power from wind.

  • In 2010, Denmark got 20% of its electric power from wind.
  • Denmark set a goal of reaching 50% wind power by 2020.
  • By the end of 2020, Denmark had achieved its 50% wind power target.
  • Denmark is now close to getting 60% of its power from wind.

The players

Ken Dragoon

A retired power system analyst from Portland, Oregon who participated in the 2010 U.S. delegation's tour of the Danish sustainable energy sector.

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What they’re saying

“If the Northwest got 50% of its power from wind, that —combined with hydro power — would give our region100% renewable power.”

— Ken Dragoon, Retired power system analyst

“We're prevented from getting to 100% renewable energy by our lack of imagination and negative attitudes. Pointing at technical challenges is part of the problem. All our significant challenges are institutional. If we had the motivation and dedication, we could make the targets, no question.”

— Ken Dragoon, Retired power system analyst

The takeaway

This letter highlights the stark contrast between Oregon and Denmark's approaches to transitioning to renewable energy. While Denmark has demonstrated the ability to set and achieve ambitious clean energy goals, Oregon appears to be held back by a defeatist mindset rather than a focus on overcoming the technical challenges. The letter suggests that if Oregon had the same motivation and dedication as Denmark, it could also achieve 100% renewable power.